Hi there,
My husband and I are planning toward a world cruise or other longer (2-3 mo) itinerary in 2010 or 2011. I have not yet found a book or website focused on world cruises; I got a bit of info on Cruisecritics, but there isn't much on world cruises, even there. We figured our travel agent would be happy to monitor options for us and keep us up to date but we've tried 2 and they seem more interested in booking what we've picked rather than keeping us up to date on options to HELP us pick. So far we are considering Crystal, Cunard and Regent, but we would like more info on European lines like P&O and Fred Olsen who also do world cruises. Can anyone recommend a website, book, agent or other source of information focused on these long itineraries? This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us and we want to be sure we make the right choice AND know when the booking opens so we can get the cabin of our choice.

I ma not of website that would give you info on all world cruises but you can go on every cruise line site and get or order e-brochure, or call them and request brochures.

http://www.cruisespecialists.com/Vie...s.aspx?flag=11

This is the website for an agency that many world cruisers use (per mentions I have read in world cruise trip reports on CruiseCritic)... maybe you'll find what you're looking for here.

We have been considering a world cruise in about the same time frame. We are been very pleased in the past with Holland Am so have been watching their offerings. My guess is that very few (relatively speaking) do round the world cruises so agents are not familiar with them. I have no idea what you mean by "monitor options" or "keeping us todate on options." What options?

Our concerns appear to be different than yours. Have you been on long cruises before? Our longest was 17th days. We are thinking of taking a 30 day cruise as a warm up. Our concern is the living pattern. You have a certain pattern on 14 to 17 day cruise with formal dinners, entertainment etc. which I think would get old 90 to 120 day cruises. And then there is a whole new issue of managing clothes. I would love to discuss these issues with someone who has been on long cruises but cannot find them.

Good luck

At the moment the longest cruise we have been on was 32 days. I loved it and could have stayed on longer. I did laundry (it was a Princess cruise)weekly myself - we only brought about 8 or 9 days worth of clothes. My husband rented a tux from Princess which worked out great and my "formal" clothes were 2 simple outfits, changed with accessories. Some formal nights, we ate other than the dining room. We are doing an Oceania 39 day cruise next April, so we will see how that goes - no formal clothes - hurray!!
I think, JToronto, you will have to look at each lines website for the best information. P&O and Fred Olson are very British cruises and you should at least give some thought about the difference between them and the US lines you mentioned. Dining, for instance, can be very different - eat and run or leisurely like most Americans (and Canadians?) enjoy. How do you feel about smoking? Just a thought.

Thanks for your suggestions. fmpden: what we mean about "options" is that we want to find the ship and itinerary that will suit us best - we haven't decided we definitely want any one ship. All the lines change which ships do WC from year to year and they change itineraries, too... they all have different release dates for the itineraries and it is "first come first serve" for bookings. So it would really help to know in advance the release date and booking opening date for all the relevant ships so we can make sure we check them out and make our decisions promptly not to miss out. I thought a travel agent would be able to get this info for me but it doesn't seem to work that way; I agree, they don't seem to be too experienced with WCs and even though they presumably would make quite a bit of $$ on the booking, we haven't found someone really enthusiastic. I'll check out Cruise Specialists.

Based on the cruises we've taken on Regent and Silversea, and not being familiar with all the other alternatives that you mentioned, I'd probably lean toward Regent. That said, I'd contact an agent that specializes in the higher-end lines. For example, our TA handles Regent, Silversea, Oceania, and Seabourn, with an especially strong presence on Regent. (Regent has 2 world cruises in 2009.) Our TA's Web site contains at least one extensive review of a World Cruise by a client broken down by segments. Many of their clients have done world cruises, and that's the type of agency I'd want arranging this once-in-a-lifetime event. Visit brownandkeenetravel.com.

JToronto,
I don't think your WC decision is that much different than deciding on a 2 or 3 week cruise (in principal).
There are only so many cruise lines that do WC; it seems that you prefer the upper end. I think you should first choose between those 3 or 4 lines which one you prefer (based on size of ship, cabin size, service, food, etc). If you cannot make the final decision on that basis alone, maybe the itinerary, time of cruise will help you decide between your final 2 choices.
But YOU have to do the leg work yourself – don’t let the TA recommend it for you unless they know you very well! Otherwise you may be disappointed and you'll be on that ship TOO LONG and spend TOO MUCH money to be unhappy.
Maybe take a short cruise on Regent vs Crystal vs Cunard (or any other "contender&quot and then decide which cruise style/ship you like best.

We are going on World Cruise this coming January. 107 days on Royal Princess. The main criterion when making this choice was the itinerary, then the ship. I like Vacationstogo.com for finding cruises. Easy and convenient site. Then I tell my TA what I want and she takes from there. This one I picked from a brochure, and booked with my TA. We went on 30 days cruise on this particular ship when it was R3 of Renaissance. We loved the comfort, convenience and friendliness of a small ship. With 41 ports of calls it is important to remember, that a small ship can “park” almost everywhere. Most likely tenders and long drives from/to the ship can be avoided in most ports with a small ship. Our last experience with QM2 was not good in that area. Even at huge Caribbean ports we had to use tenders. Luggage is a big issue, but laundry will be available. My biggest concern is communication with family back home. I cannot find out how much of an expense a cell phone can be when using is from all over the world. My previous experience with Internet on cruise ships was not good at all. As for European lines – we were on one of those for 17 days – never again. Smell of smoking is everywhere, even where it is not allowed. And they have very different standards for everything.

We have gone on 2 World Cruises....both on the Regent Voyager. It is a wonderful experience!!

Regent is all inclusive including alcohol and gratuities plus on the WC there are quite a few complimentary excursions. After the first segment, you will likely have enough nights to get free internet service. They also come to your home and pick up your luggage and ship it directly to the ship (on the return home as well). I have written a diary from our 2005 world cruise that is on my travel agent's website. My TA books MANY world cruises and is very knowledgeable. Please feel free to email me and I'm happy to answer your questions.

I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND Regent for your world cruise.

oops....forgot to include my email address: [email protected]